Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The Franco-Malian tactician trimmed his initial 39-man provisional list, revealing the final selection on Tuesday via the team’s official social media channels.
One of the most surprising aspects of the final list is the exclusion of key players, Frank Onyeka, forward Kelechi Iheanacho, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, and Ahmed Musa.
The final squad features several familiar faces, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, and Moses Simon leading the attacking lineup. Midfielders like Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Raphael Onyedika are also included, while the defense includes William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Ola Aina.
Chelle first Nigerian roster.
Key Takeaways from Chelle’s Squad Selection
1. Squad Composition
The final squad comprises three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and eight forwards for the crucial double-header.
2. Defensive Setup
Chelle has selected three center-backs, one left-back (Bruno Onyemaechi), and two right-backs (Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel). However, Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, typically a center-back, could provide additional cover at left-back if required.
3. Balanced Midfield
The midfield features two defensive midfielders (Wilfred Ndidi and Alhassan Yusuf), two central midfielders (Joe Aribo and Papa Daniel Mustapha), and one attacking midfielder (Alex Iwobi), offering a balanced mix of defensive solidity and creativity.
4. Strong Attacking Options
Among the eight forwards, there are four strikers (Victor Osimhen, Umar Sadiq, Tolu Arokodare, and Victor Boniface) and four wingers (Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, and Nathan Tella), providing depth and versatility in attack.
5. African-Based Goalkeepers
All three goalkeepers in the squad currently play on the African continent: Stanley (Chippa United, South Africa) , Omas Obasogie , and Kayode Bankole ( Remo Stars, Nigeria).
Notably, Udinese’s Maduka Okoye, despite his recent impressive performance in Serie A, did not make the final list. Cyprus-based Adebayo Adeleye was also omitted.
6. Representation from NPFL
Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole and Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha are the only two players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Ifeanyi Onyebuchi of Rangers International and Kano Pillars Ahmed Musa missed out.
7. High-Profile Absentees
Notable omissions from the squad include Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, Southampton’s Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, Cyriel Dessers and team captain Ahmed Musa, raising some eyebrows among fans.
8. Potential Debutants
Four uncapped players have been included in the squad: Czech Republic-based defender Igoh Ogbu, home-based midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha, goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, and Belgium-based forward Tolu Arokodare.
However, Anthony Dennis (Göztepe) and Christantus Uche (Getafe), who were initially in the provisional list, did not make the final cut.
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9. Europe’s Top Scorer Overlooked
While Victor Osimhen (23 goals) has been included in the squad, Cyriel Dessers (22 goals), another high-scoring Nigerian forward in Europe this season, has once again been left out.
Despite Dessers form he is once again overlooked by the Super Eagles boss.
Final 23-Man Squad for Rwanda and Zimbabwe Games
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Omas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria).
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes, Nigeria).
READ MORE:Musa, Okoye, and Iheanacho AXED from Super Eagles’ final 23-Man Squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France), Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain), Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).
The Super Eagles will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 and Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25. These will be Chelle’s first matches in charge of the national team since his appointment as head coach in January, making the stakes even higher for the team, which is currently winless after four World Cup qualifiers
